Fine Gael Dublin City Councillor Noel Rock has today, (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement by Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Simon Harris TD, that an amendment is to be made to ease the rates burden on many local sports clubs.

“An amendment to the Valuation (Amendment)(No.2) Bill 2012 will mean sports clubs that previously paid rates on its bar and on sporting buildings, will now only pay rates for the part of the building that generates income i.e. the bar in most cases. In practical terms this will reduce significantly the size of the building for which sports clubs must pay rates and it will provide a welcome boost for clubs provided by volunteers for volunteers.

“Local sports clubs are the backbone of the Northside community in Ballymun, Santry, Whitehall, Drumcondra, Glasnevin and Finglas, these clubs are run by people giving freely of their time and many are largely financed from fundraising in the local community. The change announced by Minister Harris, and which Fine Gael has been advocating for many years and is a great boost to local sports clubs.

“Buildings that are used for the sale of alcohol or food, retail outlets etc. will be rated but buildings that are used for community sport will be exempt. If a sports club’s only commercial facility is the bar then it is only the bar and ancillary facilities that will be rated.

“This is an example of a piece of legislation that will have a very real impact on local communities. The Government is committed to improving facilities and services in all regions of the country. The economy is improving because the policies pursued are working and changes such as the amendment announced today are another indication of our dedication to supporting local communities across the country.”